Our reason for buying our winter home in Montserrat is a story
in
itself. Our visit to the Emerald Isle was peaceful and secure. From the
moment we landed, the island was inviting and by the time we left,
three weeks later, we felt like family. We always felt safe no matter
what side of the island we visited. The water from the tap is clean and
drinkable and there’s plenty of it. The weather is perfect
and
the ocean waters are warm. Best of all, you won’t find
corporate
chains or stop lights anywhere. Each day was a new experience and
adventure all its own. Although we did not get to experience everything
Montserrat has to offer, we want to share with you our favorites to
date:

MVO – Spectacular views
of the volcano can be
seen at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory in nearby Salem. Inside the
observatory you’ll find information and films about the
eruptions. This is a must see while on the island.

Boat Tours of Plymouth
– The only way to see the devastation caused by the volcano
in Plymouth is by boat. Troy and Mel at the Green Monkey Dive Shop
afford you this opportunity. Tours are available daily. Contact them
directly to make arrangements to see this modern day Pompeii right here
in Montserrat.

Our favorite Eating Places (call for hours of
operation):

Gourmet Gardens is a short
walk from the Villa. Mariet will treat you like family with a Dutch
flair to her dinner specials.

Danny Sweeney of Jumping Jack’s
always has his fresh catch of the day and his wife’s pastries
are the best we’ve tasted.

John Ponte’s Beach View
is the place to be on Sunday afternoons for the best in BBQ chicken or
ribs.

Tina’s Restaurant
not only has great local food, but great pizzas
as well.

The Attic is a 10-minute walk
from the Villa. For breakfast or lunch, it’s worth the walk.

Ziggy’s on Mahogany
Drive in Woodlands is
worth the drive up into the hillsides. Ziggy’s makes for a
romantic evening at its finest! (reservations required)

Our favorite shopping spots:

Ram’s Market in
Salem is a 3-minute drive
from the villa, where you can find everything you need from fruit
&
vegetables to wine, beer and spirits all at reasonable prices.

Ashock’s Market and Angelo’s
Market are two favorites in the village of Brades on the
north end of the island.

Local farmers sell their fresh
picked produce on Thursdays & Fridays across from
Ram’s Market and at Dessert Storm in Salem.

Luv’s Cotton Store
in Salem has hand woven clothing that is worth the price!

The Airport houses two souvenir shops
that will supply everything you need for gifts back home.

The Royal Palm –
high atop the hillsides
in the town of woodlands off Mahogany Drive you’ll find an
upscale bar and restaurant that serves great wine and drinks with a
beautiful view.

Our favorite Swimming Places:

The pool at Barefoot Villa

Rendezvous Bay – The
only white sand beach
on the island is accessible only by boat, kayak or hiking. Pack your
picnic lunch and enjoy an afternoon of snorkeling and swimming.

Woodland’s Beach
offers sunshine and privacy and is a short 7-minute ride from the
villa.

Morning sun can be found at Little Bay Beach
on the north side of the island near the Green Monkey.

Most beaches have access to a changing room and showers.
Oftentimes you’ll be the only one on the beach!

Hiking Trails:

A great hike to a great beach - from the north side of
Little Bay hike over the hillsides to Rendezvous Bay
Beach. Any of the locals at Little Bay can direct you to
the trail’s entrance.

The Montserrat National Trust
will help you find all the hiking trails on the island as well contacts
to the hiking club that meets weekly.

Pack a bag if you hike along many of the trails throughout
the
island. Often times you’ll come across abandoned fruit trees
ready to harvest.

Water Activities on Montserrat:
Contact our good friends, Troy and Mel at The
Green Monkey Dive Shop.
They can accommodate all your water needs for diving, snorkeling,
kayaking and boat tours of Plymouth. You’ll find they are a
wealth of information and entertainment.